New arrivals in the hotel sector are enriching the country's tourism product while providing quality momentum to a market By food journalist Dimitris Stath
New arrivals in the hotel sector are enriching the country's tourism product while providing quality momentum to a market constantly seeking innovation. This year's arrivals carry even greater weight, as we see Mandarin Oriental entering Greece with the creation of a luxury hotel at Costa Navarino, while at the same time, the internationally renowned One&Only is opening two hotels in Kea and Glyfada.
Additionally, the new Ikos Odisia hotel from the Sani-Ikos group in Corfu, the luxurious Lindian Village in Rhodes' Lindos (opening under Hilton's Curio Collection umbrella), and Intercontinental's first resort in Greece in Agios Nikolaos represent exceptional additions. Domes Noruz in Kassandra, Halkidiki, and Cora Hotel & Spa Resort in Afytos complete this selection.
One & Only Kea
In a spot with stunning sea views in the Cycladic archipelago, on two opposing slopes, an emblematic hotel project unfolds: One & Only Kea, expected to begin operations this coming August and transform Kea into one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean. The architectural design emphasizes the land's topography, aiming to fully utilize the sloping terrain so all spaces have abundant Aegean blue views. Specifically, on one slope, the hotel's main section has been developed, while on the opposite side are 75 luxury resort villas, from 180 square meters (the smallest) to 3,020 square meters (the largest), as well as some One & Only Private Homes available for purchase. The hotel complex will also feature a spa, three restaurants, two bars, a beach club, and a fully organized activity center and diving center.
One&Only Aesthesis, Glyfada
A landmark property on Glyfada beach, the old Asteria, is being transformed into a luxury hotel: the new One&Only Aesthesis, expected to begin operations in 2023. It consists of 127 luxury rooms, suites, and villas, as well as a multipurpose hall. The new hotel will include 2 restaurants, children's activity spaces, a spa center, and archaeological pathways within the facilities showcasing the area's historicity. Total building coverage will be less than 1% of the area, less than 28,000 square meters, of which 20,000 square meters concern already existing buildings. The investment is estimated at 60 million euros and will create 1,000 jobs.
Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
The arrival of international chain Mandarin Oriental in Greece is marked by the opening of the namesake hotel at Navarino Bay, Costa Navarino in Messinia, which has started accepting online bookings for August 15 and later. On land spanning 1,400 acres with stunning views of Navarino Bay, Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino will include 99 suites and underground villas with private pools and large verandas.
Regarding interior spaces and decoration, these highlight the Messenian natural landscape with soft earth tones and the presence of local plants. The decoration has influences from 19th-century architecture and the area's historical monuments, which inspired fabric patterns and woodcarvings. Natural terracotta shades create a welcoming environment where custom-made furniture coexists with state-of-the-art entertainment technology. Inside the suites and villas, carpets were created according to traditional costume weaving. Additionally, the sustainable development principles governing Costa Navarino have been followed, having transplanted 2,700 olive trees and over 500,000 endemic shrubs of various species to the Navarino Bay area, while resort construction followed the destination's strict environmental specifications and Mandarin Oriental's corporate responsibility principles.
Regarding the underground villas, these harmonize fully with the area's natural topography using local materials. In terms of food, it will feature 5 restaurants and bars through which efforts will be made to redefine traditional Greek flavors by showcasing local cuisine, while also offering a wide variety of tastes from international cuisines, led by chef Bertrand Valegeas. The spa will offer wellness and beauty treatments inspired by Mandarin Oriental's traditional rituals from the Far East and the rich local vegetation. A wide variety of water sports, from paddle boards to skiing, will be offered at the beach club, which will also feature a large pool with sun decks just steps from the beach. The signature 18-hole golf course The Bay Course at Navarino Bay, as well as three other courses, will offer a complete golf experience for beginners and advanced players.
Ikos Odisia, Corfu
Located at Corfu's northern tip, in a place away from the island's traditional tourist settlements, where Club Med once reigned. Designed by Nimand Architects, it harmoniously combines the landscape's uniqueness with the brand's Infinite Lifestyle character.
After a complete renovation of the existing space, it's expected to begin operations on May 19 and will feature 395 rooms, suites, bungalows, and villas, as well as 10 indoor and outdoor pools.
Highlight: the resort's beach exceeds 400 meters in length and features white sand. A basic element of staying at Ikos Odisia is that despite being all-inclusive, it significantly encourages visitors not to limit themselves to the hotel, even giving them the opportunity to dine at one of the local restaurants with which the hotel maintains partnerships. In the same vein, the hotel enhances the award-winning Luxury All Inclusive vacation model through Greek and international gastronomic experiences offered in collaboration with award-winning chefs and renowned sommeliers. Additionally, Ikos Odisia features a luxury spa, modern athletic facilities, and provides visitors with choices among many activities.
Cora Hotel & Spa Resort, Afytos
In Afytos, Halkidiki, is the Cora Hotel & Spa Resort, belonging to the Zeus International hotel group and expected to operate in May. It features 181 rooms and suites, some with their own pool. The hotel also has two restaurants and four bars inspired by Halkidiki's culinary roots. Rejuvenating dips in the infinity edge pool, moments of absolute wellness and relaxation at the exclusive Cora Spa, and many other experiences from Cora Hotel & Spa Resort's extensive activity catalog will make every day of your stay at the resort unforgettable.
Lindian Village, Rhodes
Hilton's return to Rhodes happens this summer through the integration of Lindian Village under the Curio Collection umbrella, Hilton group's luxury chain. It features 196 rooms, huge gardens, impressive sea views, and 85 rooms have their own pool or jacuzzi. Gastronomy will occupy an important place in the hotel, which features five restaurants serving local and international cuisine dishes, two bars, and a gelateria. Facilities include two outdoor pools, a gym, a spa, water sports, a tennis court, and two meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 150 people. Management is by Swot Hospitality.
Domes Noruz Kassandra
As its name indicates, it's located in Kassandra, Halkidiki, consisting of 182 rooms and suites. Next to one of Halkidiki's beautiful beaches, Domes Noruz Kassandra is Domes Resort's first hotel in Northern Greece, bringing the brand's vibrant character here too. Contemporary design with white and neutral colors dominating makes the hotel very friendly to visitors.
Domes Noruz Kassandra also includes Domes' characteristic Haute Living Selection concept, an exclusive lounge for Haute Living guests who have chosen this room category. The dining includes Domes' signature Gustatio restaurant. It also features the Raw Bar, an elegant bar with cocktails and champagne serving select raw finger foods like cured ceviche, tartare, and shellfish. On the beach is the Pita Canteen offering BBQ with traditional Greek favorite flavors, ideal for a casual beach meal.
Open gym, spa, and large comfortable communal spaces in contact with the sea take center stage. Naturally, the wellness element, as in all Domes properties, takes center stage. The open gym offers visitors a rejuvenating experience where body, mind, and spirit meet. Two spacious spa suites have been created to host treatments from Domes' award-winning SOMA Spa combining ancient Greek and modern wellness methods.
InterContinental Resort Crete, Agios Nikolaos
IHG Hotels chose Crete for its first resort in Greece under the Intercontinental brand. It's the InterContinental Resort Crete, which will feature 205 rooms with private verandas, and in many of them, private jacuzzis, while also offering a unique view of Mirabello Bay.
The sea, air, and rocks inspired the design and decoration, while local history finds many references in the space. The hotel will feature four restaurants, three bars, a gym, and a wellness center.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Greek cuisine is built on simplicity and quality ingredients. What makes it distinctive is regional variety — every island and mountain village has its own flavors, often unchanged for centuries.
